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Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis: New Insights into the Pathophysiology and Treatments

  • Therapeutics and Medical Management (S Jan de Beur and B Clarke, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Osteoporosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of this Review

The goal of the review is to provide an updated understanding of the pathophysiology of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and treatment recommendations.

Recent Findings

Glucocorticoids reduce osteoblast and osteocyte lifespan and activity and reduce the vascularity of the bone that together may explain the greater reductions in bone strength than those of bone mass. Treatments with parathyroid hormone fragments appear to reverse glucocorticoid-induced bone loss and fracture risk partially through maintaining bone vascularity and bone strength.

Summary

This review identifies how glucocorticoid anti-osteogenic and vascular effects together may reduce bone strength. It also provides guidance to clinicians on rationale treatment for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Musculoskeletal Health, University of California at Davis Health System, 4625 Second Avenue, Suite 2006, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA

    Nancy E. Lane

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  1. Nancy E. Lane
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Nancy Lane reports having a patent (LLP2A-ale) issued.

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Lane, N.E. Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis: New Insights into the Pathophysiology and Treatments. Curr Osteoporos Rep 17, 1–7 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-019-00498-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-019-00498-x

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